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Alex Stark

@alexstark.bsky.social
1.4K followers 441 following 68 posts

RAND. Enthusiastic Wellesley alum. PhD Georgetown. She/her. Opinions my own. Go birds.

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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
I wrote this a few weeks ago, but it explains why the Houthis taking more territory around the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, as they did this week, is a problem: www.nytimes.com/2026/08/21/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Never Underestimate the Houthis
With Iran exerting influence on the Strait of Hormuz, Houthi attacks on a nearby Red Sea passageway assume even greater importance for the world economy.
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
www.crisisgroup.org/cmt/middle-e...
crisisgroup.org
Yemen’s War is Returning | International Crisis Group
Exchanges of fire between the Houthis and their domestic opponents – as well as between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia – have rekindled hostilities in Yemen and adjacent waters. The chances of containme...
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Escalation in fighting on frontlines in Yemen in Taiz and Hodeidah: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/04/w...
nytimes.com
Yemen’s Houthis Push Toward Red Sea Strait as Ground Fighting Escalates
The Houthis, an Iran-backed militia, appear to be trying to gain control of a port city near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key choke point for global trade.
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New York Times Opinion @nytopinion.nytimes.com · 21/08/2026
“The Houthis could reignite the war in Yemen, scuttle efforts to make a deal with Iran and draw the United States even deeper into the region’s conflicts,” Alexandra Stark writes.
nyti.ms
Opinion | Never Underestimate the Houthis
With Iran exerting influence on the Strait of Hormuz, Houthi attacks on a nearby Red Sea passageway assume even greater importance for the world economy.
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/21/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Never Underestimate the Houthis
With Iran exerting influence on the Strait of Hormuz, Houthi attacks on a nearby Red Sea passageway assume even greater importance for the world economy.
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/how-axi...
foreignaffairs.com
How the Axis of Resistance Recovered
The Iranian-led network Is more dangerous than ever.
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Dana El Kurd @danaelkurd.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
It's out! The full "Handbook on Authoritarianism in the Arab World" is available open access here: www.bloomsburycollections.com/encyclopedia...
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Madison Schramm @madisonschramm.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Thankful to @h-diplo.bsky.social for putting together such a fantastic group to review my book!
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
My book The Yemen Model argues that a short-term approach to “security” in Yemen that ignores the well-being of Yemenis themselves has repeatedly drawn the U.S. into conflicts in the Middle East: yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300...
yalebooks.yale.edu
The Yemen Model
A close look at failed U.S. policies in the Middle East, offering a fresh perspective on how best to reorient goals in the region   In this book Alexandra S...
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
NEW: @madisonschramm.bsky.social, Caitlin McCulloch & I map out the paths to power for women leaders in the wake of crises and conflict in International Studies Review
academic.oup.com
Mapping the International Supply and Demand Side of Women’s Political Leadership in Crises
Abstract. In this article, we offer a theoretical framework outlining the conditions under which different types of crises, from wars to natural disasters,
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Iona Craig @ionacraig.com · 09/01/2026
AFP reports recently sacked defence minister, who travelled with the STC delegation to Riyadh, is being detained at the Saudi defence ministry, his family have been unable to contact him since he left Aden for Riyadh on Wednesday - added to the entire STC delegation already said to be incommunicado.
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Iona Craig @ionacraig.com · 09/01/2026
STC Vice President (not in Saudi) Hani bin Brek is calling for the UN "to urgently and immediately intervene for the release of the delegation of the STC detained in Riyadh, which was forcibly compelled in a repulsive farcical play to announce the dissolution of the Southern Transitional Council."
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
April Longley Alley explains the conflict dynamics underlying the latest escalation in Yemen. Wouldn’t be shocking for the Houthis to take advantage of the moment by renewing their offensive in Marib. www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
washingtoninstitute.org
Yemen’s Seismic Shift Has Consequences Beyond Its Borders
U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE are on a collision course in Yemen, as local forces threaten to reopen a war that could boost the Houthis, deepen Red Sea instability, and otherwise undermine the ...
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Adam Baron @adammbaron.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
More escalation in Yemen today, with reports of airstrikes amidst clashes between (Saudi-backed) National Shield forces and (UAE-backed) STC-aligned fighters in Hadramawt.
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
For those interested in the origins of the Saudi-UAE rift in Yemen, my book,The Yemen Model, includes a discussion on pp. 83-89: www.amazon.com/Yemen-Model-...
A page of text from the book The Yemen Model. The section is titled “Cracks Emerge: Divergence in Saudi and Emirati Strategic Goals in Yemen.”
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
UAE-KSA tensions getting spicy in southern Yemen after STC takeover
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NPR @npr.org · 10/12/2025
The campaign to prevent and treat these diseases has seen great success thanks to a USAID program. Now that program is gone. n.pr/3KJ3iIq
n.pr
The fight to beat neglected tropical diseases was going well. 2025 could change that
The campaign to prevent and treat these diseases has seen great success thanks to a USAID program. Now that program is gone.
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Matthew Hay Brown @matthewhaybrown.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
The death rate among children under 5 is expected to grow this year for the first time in the 21st century, researchers say. A key factor, they say, is cuts to U.S. and other foreign aid www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
washingtonpost.com
Child deaths under 5 believed to be rising for first time in decades
Cuts to development aid from several countries is a key factor, researchers said.
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Adam Baron @adammbaron.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
This leaves the STC and its allies in de facto control of nearly all of the area within the borders former PDRY (ie South Yemen). A key 48 hours for facts being established on the ground...
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Erin A. Snider @erinsnider.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
"The new fighting underscores simmering tensions between the United Arab Emirates — a tiny but influential country in the Persian Gulf — and Saudi Arabia, which borders Hadramout and has cultivated deep influence there."
nytimes.com
Separatist Forces Backed by U.A.E. Sweep Into Oil-Rich Yemen Region
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Madison Schramm @madisonschramm.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Last month, I had the chance to chat with the incomparable @profwhw.bsky.social about "Why Democracies Fight Dictators" on Battle Rhythm—check it out here!
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
Goedert and Slim Reaper both under-appreciated this season imho
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Monica Marks @monicamarks.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Best piece I’ve read on Saudi’s comedy festival by a mile. Unlike standard critics of “-washing” (sports-washing, pink-washing, green-washing & now comedy-washing), Leber grapples w/ domestic drivers of regime behaviour—and w/ how many everyday Saudis feel. carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Shoutout to SZA
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Everyone better apologize to @daboulciff.bsky.social smh
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Why do democracies fight dictators like Nasser & Saddam? In her new book, @madisonschramm.bsky.social shows how personalist autocrats provide a focal point for emotional imprinting, predisposing leaders in liberal democracies to view personalist dictators as hostile academic.oup.com/book/60422
academic.oup.com
Why Democracies Fight Dictators
Abstract. In Why Democracies Fight Dictators Schramm explores the dynamics that intensify conflict between liberal democracies and personalist regimes—poli
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Another attack today on a cargo ship in the Red Sea, two days after a Houthi attack sunk the bulk carrier ship Magic Seas: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/w...
nytimes.com
Attack on Cargo Ship in the Red Sea Kills 2 Crew Members
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/29/w...
nytimes.com
The Sheikh Who Conquered Soccer and Coddles Warlords
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Andrew M Leber @andrewleber.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
I have a new article out examining macro-level trends in the Saudi labor market. TLDR: "notable yet circumscribed gains for Saudi employees," "new competitive pressure, costs and risks on expat[s]," no "fundamental challenge" to reliance on foreign labor journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
journals.sagepub.com
Saudization in a “Saudi First” kingdom - Andrew Michael Leber, 2025
How have efforts to “nationalize” workforces in the Arab Gulf monarchies affected citizen and expatriate employment in these economies? In Saudi Arabia, policie...
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Aron Lund @aronlund.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
The Houthi armed forces announces their latest operations, acknowledge Trump’s truce declaration and say they remain ready to strike if U.S. attacks resume. Either way, they will keep hitting Israeli shipping and air travel until Israel leaves Gaza and ends its blockade. www.saba.ye/ar/video890....
saba.ye
القوات المسلحة تستهدف مطار "رامون" وهدفا للعدو الصهيوني وحاملة الطائرات "ترومان"
أعلنت القوات المسلحة عن تنفيذ ثلاث عمليات عسكرية، استهدفت مطار "رامون" وهدفا حيويا للعدو الصهيوني، وحاملة الطائرات الأمريكية "ترومان" وعددا من القطع الحربية التابعة لها.
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Natasha Bertrand @natashabertrand.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Breaking: Another F/A-18 fighter jet from the Truman aircraft carrier has been lost in the Red Sea, the second jet lost from the carrier in just over a week, per 4 people familiar w/the incident. 2 aviators ejected and were recovered by helo with minor injuries. www.cnn.com/2025/05/06/p...
cnn.com
Second US Navy jet is lost at sea from Truman aircraft carrier | CNN Politics
Another F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier has been lost in the Red Sea, the second jet lost from the carrier in just over a week, four people familiar with ...
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 03/05/2025
A visual analysis shows the U.S. likely bombed a migrant detention center in Yemen on April 28. At least three U.S.-made GBU-39 bombs at the site of the attack, which killed 68 African migrants, according to the Houthis, a militant group that controls northern Yemen.
nytimes.com
Video: Visual Analysis Shows U.S. Likely Bombed Yemen Migrant Detention Center
Videos and photos reveal remnants of at least three U.S.-made GBU-39 bombs at the site of an April 28 attack. The strike killed 68 African migrants, according to the Houthis, a militant group that con...
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Jason "Red5" Lyall @jaylyall.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
US Airstrike Kills Scores of African Migrants in a Migrant Detention Center in Saada, Yemen, Houthis Say. Early estimates suggest at least 68 civilians killed and "dozens" wounded; CENTCOM "investigating"
washingtonpost.com
U.S. strike killed scores of African migrants in Yemen, Houthis say
U.S. Central Command said it was aware of the claims of civilian casualties in the strike, which the Houthis said hit a migrant detention center in Saada, killing 68.
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Jason "Red5" Lyall @jaylyall.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Suggests that the Houthi got close enough with a drone or missile strike to force the Truman to maneuver hard, tossing the Super Hornet overboard. This is the second F/A-18 lost in the past six months, along with at least 9 Predator drones. This "cheap" war in Yemen is starting to add up
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CNN @cnn.com · 28/04/2025
A $60 million US Navy fighter jet was lost at sea after it fell overboard from an aircraft carrier.
cnn.com
US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier | CNN Politics
A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet has been “lost” at sea after it fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier while it was being towed on board, the Navy said in a statement o...
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Thanks to @bashareport.bsky.social for this lovely review!
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Basha باشا @bashareport.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
I had the pleasure of reviewing @alexstark.bsky.social book: The Yemen Model for the German-Yemeni Society‘s Jemen Report @djg-ev.bsky.social If you are interested in reading the book review please send me a direct message.
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Yemen Data Project @yemendataproject.org · 15/04/2025
We’ve recorded a total of 142 civilian casualties (killed and injured) in 131 U.S. strikes from 15 March to 7 April. An average of more than 5 strikes per day.
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/w...
nytimes.com
Children Seeking Cholera Care Die After U.S. Cuts Aid, Charity Says
The victims died on a grueling three-hour walk in scorching heat as they tried to reach the nearest remaining health facility, officials of Save the Children said.
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/08/u...
nytimes.com
U.S. Commanders Worry Yemen Campaign Will Drain Arms Needed to Deter China
American military officials say the Pentagon might need to dip into stockpiles in Asia to replenish supplies in the Middle East, congressional aides say.
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/04/u...
nytimes.com
U.S. Strikes in Yemen Burning Through Munitions With Limited Success
In just three weeks, the Pentagon has used $200 million worth of munitions in Operation Rough Rider against the Houthi militia, officials said.
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
Who are the Houthis and what do they want? I wrote this over a year ago but the history of the Houthis and what they want is just as relevant today: www.foreignaffairs.com/africa/dont-...
foreignaffairs.com
Don’t Bomb the Houthis
Careful diplomacy can stop the attacks in the Red Sea.
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Andrew M Leber @andrewleber.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
@abuaardvark.bsky.social 's latest post for MENA Academy highlight @alexstark.bsky.social 's excellent book "The Yemen Model" (I'm biased but it's good!), a grim reminder of the human cost of 20+ years of missiles-first US policy towards Yemen. abuaardvark.substack.com/p/the-yemen-...
abuaardvark.substack.com
The Yemen Model (Extreme Stupidity Era)
Plus why I'm not renewing my APSA membership or attending the 2025 conference.
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Aw thanks for sharing!!
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
“Shipping executives say they do not plan to return to the Red Sea until there is a broad Middle East peace accord that includes the Houthis or a decisive defeat of the militia” www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/b...
nytimes.com
Why the Shipping Industry Isn’t Rushing Back to the Red Sea
The companies that operate large container ships say they plan to keep going around Africa as violence flares in the region.
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Looking to understand the origins of the latest strikes in Yemen? My book, The Yemen Model, explores the roots of the conflict and the U.S. response:
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
carnegieendowment.org/research/202...
carnegieendowment.org
Vision 2030 in the Home Stretch: Clear Achievements yet Limited Accountability
Vision 2030 has made undeniable progress in building a Saudi economy that can “live without oil”—but with five years to go, the program is in danger of enriching elites while overlooking the needs of ...
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Jason "Red5" Lyall @jaylyall.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Reports warn that Gaza ceasefire might fall apart and South Sudan might collapse due to suspension of USAID aid
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Alex Stark @alexstark.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
🦅 🦅 🦅
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